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More than 4,000 attendees joined the Society during the first-ever all-virtual SOT Annual Meeting and ToxExpo, March 12–26, 2021.

The Virtual 2021 Annual Meeting offered a venue for sharing the latest science in toxicology, through Continuing Education (CE) courses, Scientific Sessions, Poster Sessions, and more. SOT held CE courses every Friday during the Annual Meeting, for a total of 14 courses and 1,400 participants across courses.

More than 65 Featured and Scientific Sessions also served as vehicles of scientific exchange during the meeting. More than a dozen Featured Sessions offered discussion and debate around leading topics in toxicology, including the Opening Plenary Session by Dr. Laura Lindenfeld on “Blending Art and Science to Master Science Communication.” Additional Featured Sessions included a Hot Topic Featured Session on COVID-19 therapeutics, six Award Lectures, the SOT/EUROTOX Debate, the SOT and JSOT Symposium, and a tribute to Dr. Linda S. Birnbaum. All this was in addition to Scientific Sessions delivered by more than 300 expert speakers on cutting-edge research in toxicology. All Scientific Sessions will be available for on-demand viewing by attendees through May 31 on the Virtual Meeting Platform.

A new addition for 2021, Tiny Tox Talks hosted 15-minute intimate conversations on career development, hot topics, and more. The SOT Component Groups—Regional Chapters, Special Interest Groups, and Specialty Sections—also hosted events during the Annual Meeting to confer awards and conduct other business.

Over 1,000 poster presenters delivered their research during author-attended Poster and Platform Sessions. Remember that all posters will be available to registrants in the Poster Gallery through May 31, and to review the abstracts, consult The Toxicologist PDF.

In addition, the ToxExpo Exhibit Hall offered attendees the opportunity to connect with more than 100 exhibitors, who showcased toxicology services, tools, and technology. The Virtual ToxExpo allowed for real-time interaction between exhibitors and attendees. ToxExpo is accessible year-round on ToxExpo.com, with contact information, lists of services, areas of expertise, and more for the ToxExpo exhibitors. All virtual ToxExpo booths also will be accessible to meeting registrants through May 31; be sure to visit the Exhibit Hall for the latest from toxicology service providers.

SOT, the Committee on Diversity Initiatives, and the Faculty United for Toxicology Undergraduate Recruitment and Education (FUTURE) Committee also prepared a full slate of sessions and activities geared specifically toward undergraduates. The undergraduate program featured toxicology lectures, career roundtables, networking with graduate students, and appointments with academic program directors, all opportunities for undergraduates to become more familiar with toxicology and future career paths in the field.

In addition to the 2021 scientific programming, the Virtual Annual Meeting also offered social events and networking activities for attendees. The Virtual Fun Run/Walk continued an Annual Meeting tradition, with participants completing more than 350 miles! A virtual photo booth allowed attendees to share fun photos, and the Hallway Huddles facilitated one-on-one conversations between attendees.

SOT is grateful to the more than 40 Supporters, whose contributions helped to make the meeting possible under extraordinary circumstances. The full list of 2021 Supporters is available on the Virtual Meeting Platform and the 2021 Annual Meeting website.

As we bring the Virtual 2021 Annual Meeting to a close, we look forward to 2022, when SOT will host the 61st Annual Meeting and ToxExpo in San Diego, California. Be on the lookout for details on session and course proposals in the near future.